[x99]

"BMW is readying a go-faster X3 M - a mid-sized SUV fettled by Munich's M division. The new X3 M is set for launch as early as 2012, according to well placed BMW sources.

This will be no shrinking violet. Provisionally rated at 449bhp, the high-performance straight six may even feature three turbochargers (one electric, plus a pair of exhaust-gas driven ones) and a slightly bigger displacement (3.2 instead of 3.0 litres)."


sources = CAR magazine in the UK

[Mark]

Signs are pointing to true so far ==> http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=535265

Only catch is that we haven't seen even one prototype out and about yet, thats not to say BMW isn't just holding this one close to the chest.

[tuco44]

Pure speculation...............

[Le Chef]

BMW doesn't need to introduce an "M" version of the X3. They're selling all they can produce at the moment. The best time for BMW to introduce this variant will be when Audi introduces an "S" version of the Q5, and Porsche launch the Cajun. And both those models are a good 2 years away.

[frankwin]

I totally agree here, there is no point releasing X3M next year since sales are high, best timing will be probably 2 years before the next gen X3 so they can keep having high sales.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

BMW doesn't need to introduce an "M" version of the X3. They're selling all they can produce at the moment. The best time for BMW to introduce this variant will be when Audi introduces an "S" version of the Q5, and Porsche launch the Cajun. And both those models are a good 2 years away.

Actually SQ5 is supposed to be out fall 2012. Cajun is probably 2013 though.

Isn't it better to stay ahead of the competition instead of follow?
Also QS5 will compete with 35i not M.

[gerem]

Originally Posted by Mako

Also QS5 will compete with 35i not M.

You're right, the SQ5 and the RSQ5 will come out with projected outputs of 333hp and 408hp, respectively...

[Le Chef]

Which really means BMW can still lead and launch Q2 2013.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

Which really means BMW can still lead and launch Q2 2013.

QS5 will beat 35i. BMW wont wait, they will release when it's ready. I bet they want 2 years if customer testing before using engine in M3, just like on X5M and M5

[LEDZEP]

I think an X3M makes perfect sense from a design and performance perspective. Those of us driving the X335i have realized just how much like a performance car these babies can be. Much lighter and more agile than an X5/X6, it would be a rocket in the M lineup. It would also fall at a pricepoint to bring in another buyer segment - probably still more than I'd be able to afford, but certainly much lower than a X5/X6M.

This will be an interesting subject to watch over the next 18 months or so....

[F25Hawk]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

I think an X3M makes perfect sense from a design and performance perspective. Those of us driving the X335i have realized just how much like a performance car these babies can be. Much lighter and more agile than an X5/X6, it would be a rocket in the M lineup. It would also fall at a pricepoint to bring in another buyer segment - probably still more than I'd be able to afford, but certainly much lower than a X5/X6M.

This will be an interesting subject to watch over the next 18 months or so....

+1
Agreed LEZDEP; here's hoping that the price will be within "reach" of the 35i M-Sport if and/or when they do decide to make the X3M.

[Evlengr]

Would love to see an X3 M class. Been saying they should do this from the git go. Way smarter than a M class X6.

All that power in a lighter vehicle with the agility to match.

Would be the best of all worlds.

Dont understand why its even taken this long.

Audi is just as dumb. They build a RS3 and wont sell it in the US.

This is a great way to capture both sides of the market share. Soccor Mom and Sports Dad.

[Mako]

At first the X3 was going to be my wife's car but she really wants a mini countryman allfour, which is too small for our needs. But now with an X3M coming out in a year or two we are considering trading in our LR2 and C63 at the same time for a X3M and the mini countryman, I will drive the X3, still get my crazy performance rush while having the utility when we need it and she can have her cute mini. My other option was wait for a 35D for her and then wait for the M4 gran coupe for myself but that is like 5 years away, I want to get rid of the C63 in 2 before warranty is up.

[Le Chef]

Audi, BMW, and Mercedes can all produce hot versions of their SUV's, the question is how much of a market is there for this type of vehicle. If those sales are going to come from the X5M and X6M then forget it - you've just eaten your own lunch. It's why Porsche will never allow the Cayman to be faster than the 911.

And in the US what does adding this type of vehicle do to your corporate fuel numbers? You also have to go through type approval so you better have a big enough market to justify the expense. Audi could have brought more RS models into the US, but the cost is so prohibitive that a number got skipped.

A few people on a fan forum may clamor for this model but often the numbers don't stack up for it be able to make money in the US.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

Audi, BMW, and Mercedes can all produce hot versions of their SUV's, the question is how much of a market is there for this type of vehicle. If those sales are going to come from the X5M and X6M then forget it - you've just eaten your own lunch. It's why Porsche will never allow the Cayman to be faster than the 911.

And in the US what does adding this type of vehicle do to your corporate fuel numbers? You also have to go through type approval so you better have a big enough market to justify the expense. Audi could have brought more RS models into the US, but the cost is so prohibitive that a number got skipped.

A few people on a fan forum may clamor for this model but often the numbers don't stack up for it be able to make money in the US.

well the X3M pretty much sounds like a done deal, it won't effect fleet fuel consumption for the very reason you described, how many will they actually sell? The 3 series is what matters to BMW's overall fuel numbers, and Mini! They are looked at as a company not each brand within the company, this is why Mini is so important to them.

I doubt the X3M will eat sales from the X5M, that would be like the M3 taking away from the M5, different customer, different price range. People spending $90K-$100K want to be seen in a X5 not a high performance X3 (even if it saves them $30K). Image is a very powerful thing to car companies.